The closure of Reisch Brewery in 1966 ultimately helped facilitate the creation of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine a few years later, an unusual connection that will be highlighted at a Beer, Brats & Beginnings event on Thursday, Sept. 10.
The Reisch Brewery opened in 1849 and for 117 years operated on the exact site of the medical school’s education building, at 801 North Rutledge St. in Springfield. At its height, Reisch produced 90,000 barrels, or 29.7 million bottles, of beer annually, making it a major regional brewery. Unfortunately, it could not compete with larger national breweries and it closed in 1966.
The property was put up for auction and, with the Reisch family’s blessing, sold to the lowest bidder: Memorial Hospital across the street. Memorial purchased it with the expressed intent of having a medical school built there. In 1970, Memorial agreed to sell the land to the newly founded SIU School of Medicine.
Since its founding in 1970, SIU Medicine has graduated nearly 3,400 physicians and provides clinical services in 28 communities in central and southern Illinois. Meanwhile, Reisch Brewing Company relaunched its signature beer in 2019. Reisch beers are back on shelves and in bars, enjoying newfound popularity.
Learn more about this fascinating story at Beer, Brats & Beginnings on Thursday, Sept. 10. Fifth-generation master brewer George Reisch will be on hand to discuss Reisch Gold Top’s golden age, share recipes and connect the lager’s lineage to today’s healthcare institutions and community support.
SIU’s Department of Medical Humanities is hosting this special Pearson Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Complimentary food and drinks will be served during a happy hour in the 801 N. Rutledge Courtyard. The tour talk is in the Pearson Museum at 6 p.m.
The public is welcome to attend. Registration is encouraged. Public parking will be available at 801 N. Rutledge, north of the flagpole, opposite Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Medicine entrance.